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What is Proofreading?

Proofreading is less extensive than a full copy edit

and addresses the basics only: spelling, punctuation, and word omissions. These are the "sneaky typos" that your brain fixes for you as you read because you know what you meant to say in the context of the sentence.

 

Here are a few examples of common keystroke errors:  thought or through vs. though; causally vs. casually; exited vs. excited; an vs. a or and, and so on.

 

Original: The instructor said, “Be sure to read though the materiel carefully. You never know when a omission will become apparent or when an adjustment will need be made.”

 

Adjusted: The instructor said, “Be sure to read though [through] the materiel [material] carefully. You never know when a [an] omission will become apparent or when an adjustment will need [to] be made.”

 

Is Proofreading the Same as Copy Editing?

While a copy edit involves reviewing an author's material numerous times, tracking characters and story elements, and providing detailed notes and suggestions for revisions, proofreading consists of one document pass and does not include the behind-the-scenes tracking work and revision notes. Proofreading is perfect for authors who are happy with their material and do not wish to entertain suggestions for revisions or rewrites. Proofreading is also less expensive and is ideal for those on a budget (let's be real, this is always a consideration). All types of material can benefit from a proofreading review, whether it's a novel, short story, promotional material, or website. All edits are tracked in Word for your review.

 

How much does it cost?

Fees vary with the level of development of the material. A customized estimate will be provided based on the unique elements of your text.

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Fees will vary with the services requested, genre, the complexity of the text, its level of development, and the level of design desired for formatting and design work. Fees average $2 - $4 per industry-standard manuscript page; $65/hour for hourly work. An estimate will be provided with fees customized to your specific project and needs. I accept all genres except pornography. I may decline a project if it contains excessive or gratuitous violence and/or profanity.

 

An industry-standard manuscript page is defined as: 8.5 x 11 page size, 1" margins, .5" indent, 12 pt. fixed-width font, double-spaced text, and no white space between paragraphs.